Sustainable development is one of goals of COP29

By Mazahir Afandiyev

The idea of "let's not leave anyone behind" is seriously threatened in today's world of wars and conflicts, and the implementation of the global documents adopted to help people live better, more peaceful lives is unfortunately fraught with challenges.

The implementation of the universal text known as the "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs), which the United Nations member states unanimously agreed upon in 2015, was one of the primary concerns on the agenda of the world powers. The SDGs cover 17 and 169 goals and it is still important to complete the tasks deriving from this document, even though there are now six years left until its execution is complete.

Working closely on the principles of sustainable development should be the primary duty of societies today, as well as the political circles that govern them. However, achieving each of the SDG targets by itself not only keeps them relevant in various parts of the world, but it also forces the adoption of more urgent and serious measures.

One of the most crucial strategies for preserving the ecosystem of our world today is the strategy put into place under the "fight against climate change," which was chosen as the 13th goal. In particular, the Paris Climate Agreement's requirements for the preservation of natural resources, the decarbonization of the economy, and the prevention of environmental degradation globally dictate the current situation and the handling of emerging difficulties.

The fact that Azerbaijan will host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), one of the primary forums for climate change, environmental balance, and global environmental protection, from November 11–22 this year, is no accident. In addition to the work done on this platform in all areas, the topics of funding the areas that have been determined to be crucial for implementation and the support that developed governments provide to developing or needy states will be covered.

Additionally, by examining the Sustainable Development Goals, their outcomes, and the difficulties that national governments will have in implementing them by 2030, the discussions will center on collaborative, consensus-based decisions regarding the implementation of the best possible policies.

Azerbaijan has achieved significant progress in managing the SDGs since 2015. As a result, annual reports on the work done in the country covering 17 goals are prepared annually, and since 2016, Azerbaijan has been one of the leading countries to prepare four "Voluntary National Reports." The SDGs Dialogue series began in Azerbaijan in November 2022 to support the work done to reach the SDGs.

In order to support the Azerbaijani government in implementing national priorities, a series of dialogues on sustainable development goals are being held within the framework of the Azerbaijan Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030 and the 2030 Agenda. These dialogues aim to provide a platform for key stakeholders, including the government, UN, private sector, civil society, international financial institutions, and development partners, to implement best practices from around the world and offer creative solutions.

Every SDG dialogue centers around a particular problem, which is then further expanded into a conceptual approach, an analytical note that includes a brief data analysis and occasions of advanced international practice, a section with useful policy recommendations, and an analytical note with a few data analysis examples.

ADA University, which hosts regular meetings of international think tanks in Baku, hosted this year's 5th SDG dialogue on "Echoes of the future: climate action and coordination of efforts towards global goals" on October 31. I represented the Azerbaijani Parliament in addition to government officials, UN representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, and commercial sector partners.

Prior to COP29, this conversation was especially crucial as a national forum to enable a thorough discussion of Azerbaijan's approach to supporting the SDGs and NDC, as well as methods for increasing climate funding to ensure the NDC is implemented successfully.

As a result, Azerbaijan as well as the international community always respect the debates that take place on global forums and the decisions that are implemented by international organizations that are founded on the defense of universal values. The republic utilizes all of its assets to help create a more ideal and sustainable political structure for our world. The multicultural, tolerant, peace-based, and justice-based political beliefs of Azerbaijan are thus once again reflected in this.

Mazahir Afandiyev is the Member of the Milli Majlis (the Azerbaijani Parliament).